Texas Sex Offenders

Texas’ sex offender law took
effect in 1991. The law requires convicted sex offenders in Texas to
register with a local law enforcement authority in the state. Failure
to comply may lead to felony prosecution.

Aside from registration, sex
offenders in Texas must report from time to time to verify their
registered information. Sex offenders in the state must report any
changes to their registered information to the local authorities
within 48 hours.

Texas sex offender law protects the
residents of the state from sex crime recidivism. The law makes sure
residents get a notification whenever a sex offender moves into their
neighborhood.

Texas Sex Offender Registry

Texas
Department of Public Safety is in charge of the state’s sex
offender registry. The department collects information on offenders
from local law enforcement agents in the state.

TXDPS stores this information in a
database that is accessible to the public. You can access this data
through the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry available on TXDPS
website.

In Texas, all local law enforcement
agencies manage their sex offender registry. This registry contains
information of sex offenders registered with the agency. This
information is available to the public. Most local law enforcement
agencies run their websitewhich is accessible to the public.
Residents can also get notifications on offenders from other outlets
like the newspapers.

Aggravated kidnapping if the
actor committed the offense or engaged in the conduct with the
intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually - TEX. PENAL CODE
ANN. § 20.04(a)(4) (Vernon West 2008).

Burglary, if the offense or
conduct is punishable under subsection (d) and the actor committed
the offense or engaged in the conduct with the intent to commit
indecency with a child, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault,
prohibited sexual conduct, or aggravated kidnapping - TEX. PENAL
CODE ANN. § 30.02 (Vernon West 2008).

Unlawful restraint, if the
victim was under 17 years of age - TEX. PENAL CODE ANN. § 20.02
(Vernon

West 2008).

Kidnapping, if the victim was
under 17 years of age - TEX. PENAL CODE ANN. § 20.03 (Vernon West

2008).

Aggravated kidnapping, if the
victim was under 17 years of age - TEX. PENAL CODE ANN. § 20.04
(Vernon West 2008).

A second violation for indecent
exposure, unless the second violation results in a deferred
adjudication -

TEX. PENAL CODE ANN. § 21.08
(Vernon West 2008).

Attempt, conspiracy or
solicitation to commit an offense or engage in conduct listed above.

A violation of the laws of
another state, federal law, the laws of a foreign country, or the
Uniform Code of Military Justice for or based on the violation of an
offense containing elements that are substantially similar to the
elements of an offense listed above.

A recent color photograph or,
if possible, an electronic digital image of the person and a
complete set of the person's fingerprints;

The type of offense the person
was convicted of, the age of the victim, the date of conviction, and
the punishment received;

An indication as to whether the
person is discharged, paroled, or released on juvenile probation,
community supervision, or mandatory supervision;

An indication of each license,
as defined by Article 62.005(g), that is held or sought by the
person;

An indication as to whether the
person is or will be employed, carrying on a vocation, or a student
at a particular public or private institution of higher education in
this state or another state, and the name and address of that
institution; and (7) any other information required by the
department.

Community Notification and Websites

TX. CRIM. PRO. ART. 62.056 (West
2008)

(d) On receipt of notice under this
chapter that a person subject to registration under this chapter is
required to register or verify registration with a local law
enforcement authority and has been assigned a numeric risk level of
three, the local law enforcement authority may provide notice to the
public in any manner determined appropriate by the local law
enforcement authority, including:

Publishing notice in a
newspaper or other periodical or

Circular in circulation in the
area where the person intends to reside,

Holding a neighborhood meeting,

Posting notices in the area
where the person intends to reside,

Distributing printed notices to
area residents, or

Establishing a specialized
local website.

The local law enforcement authority
may include in the notice only information that is public information
under this chapter.

Limitations
on Residency or Employment

None

Duration
of Registration

TX. CRIM. PRO. ART. 62.101 (West
2008)

(5)(b) 10 years for offenders not
subject to lifetime registration.

Life for persons with a reportable
conviction for:

A sexually violent offense;

Prohibited sexual conduct;

Compelling prostitution;

Possession or promotion of
child pornography;

Indecency with a child, if the
person has prior or subsequent convictions for a registrable
offense;

Unlawful restraint, kidnapping
or aggravated kidnapping of a victim under 17 and the offender has
prior or subsequent convictions for a registrable offense;

Child pornography is depicting
a minor.

Timeframe
for Registration

Within 7 days of arriving at the
intended residence or 7 days of changing address (for reportable
convictions between 9/1/91-8/31/95); 7 days before the intended move
(for reportable convictions after 9/1/95)

Applies
to Offenders Convicted in another State?

Yes, if the reportable conviction is
after 9/1/95 and offender is on supervision; yes, if the offender is
not on Supervision and conviction state has mandatory post discharge
registration requirement

Verification
of Address

Yes, for reportable convictions
after 9/1/95

Penalties
for Non-Compliance

First failure to comply Class A
misdemeanor; second failure third-degree felony; a revocable offense
for reportable convictions after 9/1/9

Does a Sex Offender Live Near Your Family?

Find Out Now.

Encouraging Children to Share

It isn't always easy to build a trusting relationship with your child. Trying to get your children to share what is going on in their lives can be difficult.

Building an open and welcoming environment from the beginning stages of a child's life is essential. Children are less intimidated and more likely to discuss issues and topics in their lives with an open and supportive environment.

Getting your kids to share serves as a building block for times when your child needs to discuss pressing issues like sex and sexual abuse.

Free Parental eBook

KidsLiveSafe put together a comprehensive parents guide about sexual predators and keeping children safe. This free online eBook includes vital statistics, how to tell if a predator is victimizing a child, and social media and cyber-bullying.